The International Publishers Association, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF are collaborating on a program that is presenting a roster of top international children’s book authors reading their works aloud for children. The project, called “Reading the World,” began on Thursday with a live event with Geronimo Stilton creator Elisabetta Dami on her Instagram account, where she read and answered questions from viewers.

“The IPA wanted to do something positive to bring children and their favorite writers closer, to stimulate their interest in books and to create a carefree moment for families to share during this difficult period of confinement,” said IPA president Hugo Setzer.

UNICEF executive director Henrietta Fore, added, “These are uncharted waters for us all, and the psychosocial effects of prolonged isolation and social distancing are yet to be seen and understood. We should all take particular care of our mental health at the moment, and especially that of young minds.”

The organizers will announce a full schedule of readers shortly.